Victorian quinella launches Inter Dominion trotting series

A Victorian harness racing quinella launched the Inter Dominion Series in the Trotting Championship Heat One at Albion Park tonight (Dec 01). 

Not in the order expected much to the chagrin of punters. 

The John Justice trained Mufasa Metro was sent out $1.45 favorite and backers were on good terms with themselves when the son of Father Patrick trotted to the lead over the 1660 metre sprint trip. 

Justice knew he had his main danger Ollivici (Orlando Vici) on his back and his concern was   well founded when the Chris Lang and Sonia Mahar prepared five-year-old finished powerfully to grab the lead in the shadows of the post prevailing by a neck. 

Mahar said Ollivici was well prepared for the sprint trip series opener. 

“We kept him fresh going into the series and Chris said he felt really sharp tonight, so we are rapt” Mahar said. 

OLLIVICI REPLAY

Mahar conceded Ollivici’s task was made easier by not meeting the top two seeds. 

“It helped that we didn’t come up against Just Believe or Queen Elida in the first round,” she said. 

“It’s the first time the horse has been away and he will appreciate the longer heats later in the series.” 

Comeback trotter Plymouth Chubb (Majestic Son) provided the shock of the night when he overpowered the $1.10 favorite Queen Elida who attempted to lead throughout in Heat Two. 

With Cameron Hart deputizing for an injured Kerryn Manning, Plymouth Chubb settled three back along the pegs and was giving Queen Elida several lengths at the top of the home straight. 

Once in the clear,  Plymouth Chubb produced a withering finale to reel in Queen Elida and score running away by four metres with the local trotter Adelle four meters away third. 

PLYMOUTH CHUBB REPLAY

The win came at Plymouth Chubb’s third run back from an injury enforced absence in February this year. 

Within the space of half an hour Just Believe placed a stranglehold on the Series following an effortless win in the Heat Three. 

Beaten for early speed by Sir Fahrenheit Greg Sugars pulled out on Just Believe to assume control and the result was never in doubt thereafter. 

In the race prior Just Believe’s main danger in the Series Queen Elida was beaten into second place by Plymouth Chubb after leading. 

After the race bookmakers installed Just Believe as the $1.60 favorite for the Final while Queen Elida eased out to $5. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink